Mechanism For Opening A Cover From Two Opposite Sides

ABSTRACT

An opening mechanism for opening a cover element located on a console alternatively about a first cover swivel pin or about a second cover swivel pin, each of which is formed by a front and a rear swivel pin element that can be moved relative to one another between a retracted and a deployed position, comprising a first actuating device with a first actuating element and a second actuating device with a second actuating element, each of said actuating devices being mechanically coupled to the front and the rear swivel pin element of the associated first swivel pin or the second swivel pin via a first or second displacing member in such a manner that the front and the rear swivel pin element of the associated swivel pin can be moved, by actuating one of the actuating elements, from a closed position in which pin elements of the swivel pin elements are connected to a locking device of the console, into an open position in which the pin elements of the same locking device of the console are deployed such that the first swivel pin or the second swivel pin can act as a swivel pin so as to open the cover, wherein: the first actuating element is connected to a displaceable first transmitting element having a transmitting section and the second actuating element is connected to a second transmitting element having a transmitting section, wherein the transmitting section of the first transmitting element cooperates positively with a corresponding transmitting section of the first displacing member associated therewith and the transmitting section of the second transmitting element cooperates positively with a corresponding transmitting section of the second displacing member associated therewith in order to move the swivel pin elements between their closed and open positions; the first and the second transmitting elements of the actuating device can be moved towards one another and each of the transmitting elements is provided with at least two catch recesses that are placed one behind the other in the direction of displacement, wherein the transmitting elements can be locked in a closed position and an open position of each transmitting element by inserting the blocking element into one respective catch recess of the first and the second transmitting element.

The invention relates to an opening mechanism for opening a cover from two opposite sides, which is particularly suitable for use for a centre console of a motor vehicle.

A detachable double-hinge device for a console box is known from EP 0 494 496 B1.

A lid opening and closing device is known from EP 0 562 244 B1, which is configured in such a manner that a lid body of a box body can be opened and closed from either the right or the left side.

An opening mechanism is known from JP 03189249 with which a lid can be opened towards two sides. In this case, the pivot axes are each divided into two. For opening the lid on one side the pivot axis parts of the respectively other side are pressed away from one another in a wedge shape to insert the ends of the pivot axis parts in corresponding recesses of the container and form an effective pivot axis.

Known from DE 101 51 704 C2 is an opening mechanism for opening a lid towards two sides, in which the pivot axles are each divided into two. The pivot axles are driven apart from one another or towards one another, whereby a likewise two-part actuating element running transversely thereto has guide tracks at its ends in which projections from respective ends of the pivot axle parts facing one another are guided in such a manner that the pivot axle parts of one side are driven apart from one another whilst the pivot axle parts of the other side are driven towards one another. The two parts of the actuating element are pre-stressed in a driven-apart position by means of a spring.

A similarly acting mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,336.

The object of the invention is to provide an opening mechanism for opening a cover from two opposite sides which has a simple structure and ensures a reliable operating mode.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, an opening mechanism is provided for opening a cover element located on a console alternatively (optionally) about a first cover swivel pin or about a second cover swivel pin, each of which is formed by a front and a rear swivel pin element that can be moved relative to one another between a retracted and a deployed position, comprising a first actuating device with a first actuating element and a second actuating device with a second actuating element, each of said actuating devices being mechanically coupled to the front and the rear swivel pin element of the associated first swivel pin or the second swivel pin via a first or second displacing member in such a manner that the front and the rear swivel pin element of the associated swivel pin can be moved, by actuating one of the actuating elements, from a closed position in which pin elements of the swivel pin elements are connected to a locking device of the console, into an open position in which the pin elements of the same locking device of the console are deployed such that the first swivel pin or the second swivel pin can act as a swivel pin so as to open the cover,

wherein the first actuating element is connected to a displaceable first transmitting element having a transmitting section and the second actuating element is connected to a second transmitting element having a transmitting section, wherein the transmitting section of the first transmitting element cooperates positively with a corresponding transmitting section of the first displacing member associated therewith and the transmitting section of the second transmitting element cooperates positively with a corresponding transmitting section of the second displacing member associated therewith in order to move the swivel pin elements between their closed and open positions;

wherein the first and the second transmitting element of the actuating device can be moved towards one another and each of the transmitting elements is provided with at least two catch recesses or engagement devices that are placed one behind the other in the direction of displacement, wherein the transmitting elements can be locked in a closed position and an open position of each transmitting element by inserting the blocking element into one respective catch recess of the first and the second transmitting element.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and the second transmitting element of the actuating device can be displaced into one another in sections. At the same time the catch recesses can be formed as openings or grooves so that in two different positions of the transmitting element, the blocking element can be inserted into one catch recess of one transmitting element and one catch recess of the other transmitting element so that the closed position and the open position of each transmitting element can be locked.

The transmitting sections can be toothed segments.

In each of the embodiments, each of the displacing members can comprise a transmitting element which is rotatably mounted and/or which is configured as a rotating ring for converting the movement of the transmitting elements of the actuating device into a rotary movement. In this case, in particular the circumferential movement of one section of each of the transmitting elements can be coupled mechanically or electrically to the displacement movement of the swivel pin elements. In particular the transmitting elements can be rotatably mounted on a mounting device located on the plane of symmetry of the opening mechanism.

The cover opening mechanism can be configured in such a manner

that an arm is rigidly arranged on each transmitting element, said arm being connected via a joint to the respective second swivel pin element,

that a coupling lever is coupled at a first bearing point on the second swivel pin element via a first joint,

that the coupling lever is pivotally mounted on a mounting device located on the cover D,

that the coupling lever is connected to the respective first swivel pin element via a second joint at a second bearing position located opposite to the first bearing position.

The displacing members can be formed identically.

The joints of the displacing member are formed as non-destructively non-detachable connections.

According to the invention, an opening mechanism is also provided for opening a cover element located on a console alternatively about a first cover swivel pin or about a second cover swivel pin, each of which is formed by a front and a rear swivel pin element that can be moved relative to one another between a retracted and a deployed position, comprising a first actuating device with a first actuating element and a second actuating device with a second actuating element, each of said actuating devices being mechanically coupled to the front and the rear swivel pin element of the associated first swivel pin or the second swivel pin via a first or second displacing member in such a manner that the front and the rear swivel pin element of the associated swivel pin can be moved, by actuating one of the actuating elements, from a closed position in which pin elements of the swivel pin elements are connected to a locking device of the console, into an open position in which the pin elements of the same locking device of the console are deployed such that the first swivel pin or the second swivel pin can act as a swivel pin so as to open the cover, wherein each of the displacing members comprises a transmitting element which is rotatably mounted and/or which is configured as a rotating ring for converting the movement of the transmitting elements of the actuating device into a rotary movement.

In this case, the transmitting element configured as a rotating ring can be rotatably mounted on the same one mounting device located on the plane of symmetry of the opening mechanism. In particular,

an arm is rigidly arranged on each transmitting element, said arm being connected via a joint to the respective second swivel pin element,

a coupling lever is coupled at a first bearing point on the second swivel pin element via a first joint,

the coupling lever is pivotally mounted on a mounting device located on the cover,

the coupling lever is connected to the respective first swivel pin element via a second joint at a second bearing position located opposite to the first bearing position.

The displacing members can be formed identically.

The joints of the displacing member can be formed as non-destructively non-detachable connections.

The invention is described in detail hereinafter with reference to the appended figures, which show:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cover opening mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, viewed obliquely from the front and above, with a coordinate system wherein the cover opening mechanism is inserted in a cover element whose cover has been removed from the cover element;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the cover opening mechanism according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the cover opening mechanism according to FIG. 1 viewed obliquely from behind and above;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of two parts for forming the double-hinge device as a component of the cover opening mechanism according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows the two parts for forming the double-hinge device according to FIG. 1 placed one above the other;

FIG. 6 shows a view of the embodiment of the cover opening mechanism according to the invention from FIG. 1 viewed obliquely from behind and above, wherein one of the two parts of the double-hinge device is shown raised in an exploded view;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the two parts for forming the double-hinge device according to FIG. 5 placed one another the other together with an embodiment of the actuating device for actuating the double-hinge device viewed obliquely from above and from the front, wherein the cover element is not shown;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the two parts for forming the double-hinge device and the actuating device according to FIG. 7 viewed obliquely from below and from behind;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the actuating device according to FIG. 7 viewed obliquely from behind and below;

FIG. 10 shows the cover element with the opening mechanism viewed from below.

For the description of the invention, reference is made to a reference coordinate system having an X, Y and Z axis. The cover opening mechanism 1 according to the invention is provided for opening a cover element or a cover D which is also in general a receiving part which can be used for a cover and is designated hereinafter as cover D. The cover D is located on a console (not shown) such as, for example, a centre console in the interior of a motor vehicle. With the cover opening mechanism 1 according to the invention, the cover D can be opened as desired on two opposite sides, and swiveled on the respective side, and specifically on a first side Y1 or a second side Y2. The coordinate system is defined such that the X axis runs in the longitudinal direction of the cover opening mechanism from a front side A to a rear side B of the cover D between which run the cover longitudinal sides or cover opening sides 11, 12 of the cover D. The direction is obtained from the respective embodiment and the Z axis to be defined therein, as will be described hereinafter. The XY plane is hereinafter designated as the actuating plane.

Hereinafter the upper side or “above” is understood to be that side of the cover D or the cover opening mechanism in which the respective opening edge of the cover D is moved in order to open a compartment located approximately under said cover. In the arrangement of the cover opening mechanism according to the invention on a storage box of a centre console in a motor vehicle, the X axis preferably runs towards the assumed direction of travel of the vehicle. For this case, for example, Y1 can designate the driver side and Y2 the passenger side.

In the embodiment shown, the cover D preferably has a covering (not shown) which is placed on the cover base member G. The embodiment of the opening mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 is inserted in a cover base member G. However, it is alternatively also possible to insert the opening mechanism according to the invention in a covering of the cover base member G. It is also possible to insert parts of the opening mechanism in the cover base member G and parts of the opening mechanism in the covering of the cover base member G.

The opening of the cover element D by means of the opening mechanism 1 on the first side Y1 is effected by turning the cover D about a second cover rotation pin (axis) 22 running on a second cover longitudinal side or cover opening side 12 located opposite to this side Y1. Similarly, the opening of the cover D on the second side Y2 located opposite to the first side Y1 (FIG. 1) is effected by turning the cover about a first cover rotation pin (axis) 21 located opposite to the second cover longitudinal side or cover opening side 12.

The first swivel pin 21 and the second swivel pin 22 are each formed by a front 21 a or 22 a and a rear 21 b or 22 b swivel pin element or swivel pin part pieces which, when viewed in their longitudinal direction, are arranged substantially axially one behind the other and can be moved relative to one another by means of an actuating device B. For this purpose, a front and a rear pin element 23 a or 23 b is arranged on the front and rear swivel pin element 21 a or 21 b of the first swivel pin 21. These are mounted so that they can be moved to and fro by means of the actuating device B preferably in corresponding guide devices 25 a or 25 b, wherein all or individual guide devices can be arranged on the cover base member, on the cover covering or also on the console. Similarly, a front and a rear pin element 25 a or 25 b are arranged on the front and rear swivel pin element 22 a or 22 b of the second swivel pin 22, which pin elements are mounted so that they can be moved to and fro by means of the actuating device B preferably in the corresponding guide devices 26 a or 26 b.

The cover actuating device B of the cover opening mechanism comprises a first actuating device B1 with a first actuating element 110 and a second actuating device B2 with a second actuating element 120. In this case, in a preferred embodiment and in that shown, the first actuating device B1 and the first actuating element 110 connected mechanically or generally functionally thereto are located on the first swivel pin 21 as well as on the first side Y1 in order to be able to open or close the cover element D on this side Y1. Similarly, the second actuating device B2 and the mechanically or generally functionally connected second actuating element 120 are located on the second swivel pin 22 as well as on the second side Y2.

The positions of the actuating elements 110, 120 are dependent on the respective application and can be made in particular from ergonomic aspects. For example, the actuating elements 110, 120 can be arranged centrally on the upper side of a covering of the cover D.

In a base position or starting position, i.e. when the first or second actuating device B1 or B2 are not actuated, the respectively associated first and second swivel pin element 21 a, 21 b or 22 a, 22 b are located in a deployed position, i.e., in a position in which the pin elements 23 a, 23 b or 24 a, 24 b guided in the guide devices 25 a, 25 b or 26 a, 26 b are inserted in corresponding guide devices (not shown) connected to the console and are thus mounted therein so that the cover element D locks the longitudinal sides 11 or 12 on the console and thereby prevents opening of the cover 1 on one of the sides Y1 or Y2.

The first actuating device B1 is mechanically coupled to the front 21 a and the rear 21 b swivel pin element of the first swivel pin 21 in such a manner that by actuating the first actuating device B1, the front 21 a and the rear 21 b swivel pin element are driven together towards one another into an open position, i.e. from a closed into an open position and their pin elements 23 a or 23 b guided in their guide devices 25 a or 25 b are driven out from corresponding guide devices (not shown) connected to the console so that the cover element D on its first longitudinal side 11 is released with respect to the console and the second swivel pin 22 can act as a swivel pin for opening the cover 1 on the oppositely located first side Y1. Similarly, the second actuating device B2 is mechanically coupled to the front 22 a and the rear 22 b swivel pin element of the second swivel pin 22 in such a manner that by actuating the second actuating device B2, the front 22 a and the rear 22 b swivel pin element are driven together from a closed into an open position and are optionally driven out from corresponding guide devices (not shown) connected to the storage box so that the cover element D on its second longitudinal side 12 is released with respect to the console and the first swivel pin 21 can act as a swivel pin for opening the cover 1 on the oppositely located second side Y2.

The cover actuating device B acts with a false actuation and blocking device M comprising a locking slider 200 having the function of blocking and switching operating states of the actuating device. The locking slider 200 preferably has the form of a tongue running in the axis of symmetry S of the cover opening device. The false actuation and blocking device M is provided for the event that if one of the actuating elements 110 or 120 is actuated for activating the first or second swivel pin 21 or 22, the respectively other non-actuated element 120 or 110 or actuating device B1 or B2 is blocked so that after opening the cover B on one side Y1 or Y2, opening of the cover D on the opposite side Y2 or Y1 at the same time can be prevented. For this purpose the actuating devices B1, B2 are mechanically connected to the first and second actuating device B1, B2. In a further development of the invention it is possible to actuate both actuating devices simultaneously in order to be able to remove the cover D simply from the console.

Each actuating device B1, B2 has a transmitting element 51 or 52 which is connected to the associated actuating element 110 or 120 in such a manner that when an actuating element 110, 120 is actuated, the associated transmitting element 51 or 52 is moved from a closed position into an open position. The actuating elements 110 or 120 can be positively connected to the respectively associated transmitting element 51 or 52 and, for example, placed on the latter or clipped thereon. Alternatively, the actuating elements 110 or 120 can also be connected seamlessly to the respectively associated transmitting element 51 or 52.

The first and the second transmitting element 51, 52 of the false actuation and blocking device M is connected to a first displacing member 71 of a first displacing device V1 or a second displacing member 72 of a second displacing device V2 which generally belong to a displacing mechanism V. The displacing members 71, 72 of the displacing mechanism V are moved by the transmitting elements 51, 52. In addition, the displacing elements 71, 72 act on the first or second swivel pin element of the associated displacing mechanism V1 or V2. An embodiment according to the invention is described hereinafter in which the displacing members 71, 72 act on the second (rear) swivel pin element 21 b or 22 b of the associated displacing mechanism V1 or V2.

The displacing members 71, 72 can be embodied differently. In one embodiment these can be configured as cable or Bowden cables which transmit the movement of the transmitting elements 51, 52 to the respective swivel pin. Depending on the application and depending on the positioning of the guide rollers or bearing points, a spring pre-tensioning can be provided in order to achieve a return of a deflected state into the initial state or the closed position.

In an alternative embodiment of the displacing mechanism V which is shown the displacing members 71, 72 are configured as elements having an annular bearing structure for mounting the displacing members on a preferably common mounting device 80 so that the displacing devices 71, 72 can be moved to and fro between a first or closed and a second or open position. Each displacing member 71, 72 is connected to the associated first, 21 a or 22 a, and also to the second swivel pin element 21 b or 22 b in such a manner that in a first or closed position of the displacing devices V1, V2, these are located in a closed position and in an open position of the displacing devices V1, V2, these are located in an open position. Each displacing device V1, V2 is pre-stressed in the closed position by means of a pre-stressing device 400.

Each displacing member 71, 72 has a transmitting portion 73 or 74 which cooperates mechanically with a transmitting portion 51 a or 52 a of the associated transmitting element 71 or 72 in such a manner that when an actuating element 110, 120 is actuated, the transmitting portion 51 a or 52 a associated therewith and therefore also via the displacing members 71 or 72, the displacing device V1 or V2 is moved into the open position in order to move the swivel pin elements 21 a, 21 b into an open position.

At the same time, the first displacing member 73 of the first displacing device 71 and the first transmitting element 51 of the false actuation and blocking device M has a transmitting section 73 or 51. Likewise, the second displacing member 74 of the second displacing device 72 and the second transmitting element 52 of the false actuation and blocking device M has a transmitting section 74 or 54. The transmitting sections 73 and 51 a or 74 and 52 a each form a mechanism of action for transmitting the movement of the transmitting elements 51 or 52 to the displacing members 73 or 74. This mechanism of action can be executed in various ways. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanism of action is provided with a configuration of the transmitting sections in which these intermesh positively. In this case, the transmitting portions 73, 51 a or 74, 52 a can in particular be configured as toothed segments. Alternatively, in this embodiment one of the cooperating transmitting sections can be configured as a groove or recess and the other one of the cooperating transmitting sections can be configured as a driver.

In a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the mounting device 80 is a rotary mounting on which the displacing members 71, 72 are mounted rotatably and one above the other. Furthermore, the transmitting elements 51, 52 are guided longitudinally displaceably in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the swivel pin elements by a corresponding guide device on the cover D (not shown).

The locking slider 200 is mounted displaceably on the base member G or displaceably on the cover covering between an open or actuating position and a blocking position and is pre-stressed in the actuating position by means of a spring device in which the actuating elements 51, 52 can be moved by means of the actuating elements 110 or 120 from a closed position into a locking position. The blocking position of the locking slider 200 is achieved by the cooperation of an active element arranged on the locking slider 200 such as, for example, a ramp or a lug, with a corresponding counter-bearing such as, for example, a lug or a ramp (not shown) on the console. When closing the cover, the active elements of the locking slider 200 and the console come to abut against one another shortly before the cover D rests on the console. During further closure of the cover D as far as its end position, the locking slider 200 is pressed into its actuating position. In the embodiment shown, this is a position driven towards the back or towards the displacing device 70. The locking slider 200 has a locking element 210 which, in the blocking position of the locking slider 200, is inserted into corresponding catch recesses on the transmitting elements in order to block the actuation of said elements (e.g. FIG. 1).

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a blocking position of the locking slider 200 in which a locking element engages simultaneously in corresponding openings of both actuating elements 51, 52 to block a movement or actuation of said elements. This is the case when the cover is opened since in the open state the locking slider does not cooperate with the console and is thus situated in the blocking position.

Each transmitting element 51, 52 has at least two catch recesses (engagement recesses) located adjacently to one another in the actuating direction of said elements, in particular in the form of catch grooves or openings (engagement grooves or openings) 55, 57 or 56, 58 (in FIG. 7 three catch openings 53, 55, 57 are shown on the transmitting element 51 and in FIG. 8 three catch openings 54, 56, 58 are shown on the transmitting element 52), into which the blocking element 210 can be inserted. The openings have substantially the same opening shape and size. In addition, the openings 55, 57 of the first transmitting element 51 are arranged at the same distance from one another as the openings 56, 58 of the second transmitting element 52. The respective first opening 55, 56 is provided for the closed position and the respective second opening 57, 58 for the open position. That is, the openings are arranged in particular on the transmitting elements in such a manner that

the first transmitting element 51 is located in the closed position and the second transmitting element 52 is located in the open position when a first opening of a plurality of openings of the first transmitting element 51 and a first opening of a plurality of openings of the second transmitting element 52 lie one above the other so that the blocking element 210 can be inserted simultaneously into these openings as a result of the spring pre-tensioning;

the second transmitting element 52 is located in the closed position and the first transmitting element 51 is located in the open position when the second opening of the second transmitting element 52 and the first opening of the first transmitting element 51 lie one above the other so that the blocking element 210 can be inserted simultaneously into these openings as a result of the spring pre-tensioning.

According to one embodiment, therefore the first and the second transmitting elements 51, 52 of the actuating device can be moved relative to one another and each of the transmitting elements has at least two catch recesses 53, 55, 57 or 54, 56, 58 located one behind the other, wherein the transmitting elements 51, 52 can be locked in a closed position and an open position of each transmitting element by means of a blocking or locking element 210, whereby the blocking element can be inserted into respectively one catch recess of the first and the second transmitting element.

The pre-tensioning of the locking slider 200 effected by the spring device can be produced in various ways: in the embodiment shown, the spring device is implemented by two spring elements 201, 202 or elastic struts which on the one hand are connected to the locking slider 200 and on the other hand are connected to the transmitting elements 51 or 52. Alternatively, the spring elements can also be coupled on the cover D. The advantage of this embodiment is that the transmitting elements 51, 52 of the actuating device, the locking slider 200 with the blocking element and the spring elements 210, 202 can be manufactured in one piece and in particular can be fabricated as one piece such as, for example, a plastic component. In particular, these parts can be produced as a single plastic component by injection moulding.

The cooperation of the longitudinally displaceable blocking slider 200 and the openings is as follows:

When the cover D is closed, the blocking slider 200 is located in a position moved back against the pre-tension of the spring elements 201, 202, or unlocking position (not shown). In this unlocking position of the locking slider 200, the second locking element V2 is driven out from the openings and both the first and the second transmitting element can be displaced transversely to the second locking element V2 by means of the respectively assigned actuating element 110 or 120, in particular to move one of the transmitting elements 51, 52 into an open position. A stop element (not shown) can be located on the first and on the second transmitting element in order to restrict the freedom of movement of the transmitting elements relative to one another in the direction of actuation.

When a transmitting element is moved into an open position by means of an actuating element and the cover D has been opened, the locking slider 200 is moved into its blocking position, and in the embodiment shown towards the front, and therefore the blocking element 210 is moved into the openings of the transmitting elements. This is possible since the second opening of the actuated transmitting element has come into a position with the first opening of the non-actuated transmitting element in the direction of movement of the transmitting element where these are one above the other. As a result of the spring pre-tensioning in this position of the transmitting element, the second locking element is driven into the superposed openings and thus the first and the second transmitting element are mutually locked.

When using two openings on each of the transmitting elements, it is merely possible for both transmitting elements to be locked in their deployed position in which both swivel pin elements are in the locked position or one transmitting element is locked in the deployed position and another transmitting element is locked in the retracted position. Three openings can also be arranged on the transmitting elements. In this case, both transmitting elements can be additionally locked simultaneously in their retracted position or open position so that both swivel pin elements are located in an unlocking position.

The displacing mechanism V is described hereinafter according to the embodiment shown in the figures:

Each of the displacing members 71, 72 has a rotating ring for mounting the displacing devices on the mounting device 300 and respectively one transmitting section 73 or 74 so that the movement of the transmitting elements 51 or 52 of the actuating device B1 or B2 is converted into a rotary movement. An arm 75 or 76 is arranged rigidly on each transmitting element 73, 74, said arm being connected to the respective swivel pin element 21 b or 22 b via a joint 77 or 78.

A coupling lever 83 or 84 is coupled to the second swivel pin element 21 b, 22 b via a joint 81, 82, said coupling lever being located on the first arm or first articulation point thereof. The coupling lever 83, 84 is pivotally mounted at a bearing point 85, 86 on mounting devices d1 or d2 arranged on the cover D so that the coupling lever 83 or 84 can be rotated about the mounting devices d1 or d2 in the plane of actuation. At its second end located opposite the first end or its second bearing point, the coupling lever 83, 84 is connected to the first swivel pin element 21 a or 22 a via a second joint 87 or 88. The first swivel pin element 21 a or 22 a is formed suitably curved in the plane of actuation in order to connect the second joint on the coupling lever and the pin element 23 a, 24 a of the first swivel pin element 21 a or 22 a.

The mounting devices d1, d2 of the coupling lever can also be arranged on the cover covering.

Instead of a coupling lever, it is also possible to use a wheel or a functionally equivalent part which is mounted rotatably on the mounting devices d1, d2 and has friction faces which cooperate with corresponding friction faces on the first and second swivel pin elements in order to actuate these. In this embodiment the joints 81, 87 or 82, 88 can be omitted.

The coupling lever 83, 84 mounted on the associated mounting device 85, 86 effects a coupling of the swivel pin elements 21 a and 21 b or 22 a and 22 b of the displacing element 71 or 72 in such a manner that the movement of the swivel pin elements 21 a and 21 b or 22 a and 22 b runs in opposite directions. That is, during the rotation of a displacing member, only the two swivel pin elements belonging together 21 a and 21 b or 22 a and 22 b move relative to one another from an open position into a closed position or can execute the opposite movement thereto. The actuation of the swivel pin elements 21 a and 21 b or 22 a and 22 b is effected on the basis of the movement of the transmitting element of the actuating device B1, B2 which is converted into a rotary movement of the displacing member by means of the respective transmitting part and is transmitted to the swivel pin elements 21 a and 21 b or 22 a and 22 b via the coupling lever.

In general, individual one or all the joints 81, 87, 77 or 82, 88, 78 can be embodied as flush, frictional or positive. In a flush embodiment these joints are preferably embodied as film hinges (see FIGS. 1 to 9). In an embodiment as frictional joints, a friction wheel is used in each case instead of the levers 83, 84. In the positive embodiment of the joints, a toothed wheel is used in each case instead of the levers 83, 84. Instead of a film hinge, it is also possible to use a positive hinge joint. In this case, in particular, the hinge joint can be embodied as an in-mould assembly.

With these joint embodiments as a film hinge or as an in-mould assembly it is possible to produce the displacing devices as one piece, i.e. composed of parts which cannot be detached non-destructively.

The displacing members 71, 72 of the displacing device 70 are pre-tensioned by means of pre-tensioning device 400 in a closed position in which the position of the displacing arms 75 or 76 connected thereto effects a closed position of the associated swivel pin elements 21 a, 21 b or 22 a, 22 b. During an actuation of the actuating elements 110, 120 and the transmitting elements 51 or 52 connected to said elements, a rotation of the associated displacing members 71, 72 accordingly takes place against the spring force of the pre-tensioning device 400. This restores the displacing members 71, 72 back into their initial or closed position after releasing the actuating elements 110, 120.

In the embodiment of the invention shown, the pre-tensioning device can be implemented as a bending element 401, 402 which for its part is affixed on the one hand to the respective displacing device 71, 72 and on the other hand, is mounted at a distance therefrom by means of the mounting device 403 or 404 towards the direction of movement of the respective displacing members 71 or 72.

Alternatively, the pre-tensioning device 400 can also be implemented with a correspondingly shaped spring (not shown) which is located on the two displacing members 71, 72 and mutually pre-tensions the two displacing members 71, 72 in their closed position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first swivel pin element 21 a, 22 a is curved towards the interior or towards the axis of symmetry S of the displacing device 70. Since the end of the first swivel pin elements 21 a, 22 a connected to the second end of the coupling lever is likewise directed towards the axis of symmetry S and the second swivel pin element 21 b or 22 b is located outside the same, the profiles of the displacing arm 75 or 76 and of the first swivel pin elements 21 a, 22 a intersect. At this point bearing surfaces can be provided on the first swivel pin element 21 a, 22 a for the relative movement of the displacing arm 75 or 76 in order to restrict the movement of the swivel pin elements 21 a and 21 b or 22 a and 22 b relative to one another both at the maximum distance and at the minimum distance.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown, the displacing elements 71, 72 of the associated devices B1 or B2 are arranged one above the other when viewed in the Z direction or transversely to the plane of actuation.

As a result, the displacing elements can be manufactured as identical components.

The components of the displacing elements are preferably made of plastic and in particular manufactured by injection moulding. When the displacing members are manufactured as identical components, this has the advantage that only one mould is required to produce both displacing members which significantly reduces the manufacturing costs compared with the prior art.

The transmitting elements 51, 52 can be pre-tensioned in the opening position.

The embodiment of the displacing mechanism V shown with the displacing members 71, 72 mounted on the mounting devices 400 can also be arranged and cooperate with different types of false actuation and blocking devices. The displacing members 71, 72 generally require a longitudinal movement of transmitting sections which act on the transmitting sections of the displacing elements. 

1. An opening mechanism for opening a cover element located on a console alternatively about a first cover swivel pin or about a second cover swivel pin, each of which is formed by a front and a rear swivel pin element that can be moved relative to one another between a retracted and a deployed position, comprising a first actuating device with a first actuating element and a second actuating device with a second actuating element, each of said actuating devices being mechanically coupled to the front and the rear swivel pin element of the associated first swivel pin or the second swivel pin via a first or second displacing member in such a manner that the front and the rear swivel pin element of the associated swivel pin can be moved, by actuating one of the actuating elements, from a closed position in which pin elements of the swivel pin elements are connected to a locking device of the console, into an open position in which the pin elements of the same locking device of the console are deployed such that the first swivel pin or the second swivel pin can act as a swivel pin so as to open the cover wherein: the first actuating element is connected to a displaceable first transmitting element having a transmitting section and the second actuating element is connected to a second transmitting element having a transmitting, wherein the transmitting section of the first transmitting element cooperates positively with a corresponding transmitting section of the first displacing member associated therewith and the transmitting section of the second transmitting element cooperates positively with a corresponding transmitting section of the second displacing member associated therewith in order to move the swivel pin elements between their closed and open positions; the first and the second transmitting elements of the actuating device can be moved towards one another and each of the transmitting elements is provided with at least two catch recesses that are placed one behind the other in the direction of displacement, wherein the transmitting elements can be locked in a closed position and an open position of each transmitting element by inserting the blocking element into one respective catch recess of the first and the second transmitting element.
 2. The opening mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: the first and the second transmitting element of the actuating device can be displaced into one another in sections and transmitting sections are located above one another, the catch recesses are openings so that in two different positions of the transmitting element, the blocking element can be inserted into one opening of one transmitting element and one opening of the other transmitting element so that the closed position and the open position of each transmitting element can be locked.
 3. The opening mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting sections are toothed segments.
 4. The opening mechanism according to claim 1, wherein each of the displacing members comprises a transmitting element which is rotatably mounted and/or which is configured as a rotating ring for converting the movement of the transmitting elements of the actuating device into a rotary movement.
 5. The opening mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the transmitting elements configured as a rotating ring are rotatably mounted on the same one mounting device located on the plane of symmetry of the opening mechanism.
 6. The opening mechanism according to claim 5, wherein: that an arm is rigidly arranged on each transmitting element, said arm being connected via a joint to the respective second swivel pin element, that a coupling lever is coupled at a first bearing point on the second swivel pin element via a first joint, that the coupling lever is pivotally mounted on a mounting device located on the cover, that the coupling lever is connected to the respective first swivel pin element via a second joint at a second bearing position located opposite to the first bearing position.
 7. The opening mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the displacing members are formed identically.
 8. The opening mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the joints of the displacing member are formed as non-destructively non-detachable connections.
 9. An opening mechanism for opening a cover element located on a console alternatively about a first cover swivel pin or about a second cover swivel pin, each of which is formed by a front and a rear swivel pin element that can be moved relative to one another between a retracted and a deployed position, comprising a first actuating device with a first actuating element and a second actuating device with a second actuating element, each of said actuating devices being mechanically coupled to the front and the rear swivel pin element of the associated first swivel pin or the second swivel pin via a first or second displacing member in such a manner that the front and the rear swivel pin element of the associated swivel pin can be moved, by actuating one of the actuating elements, from a closed position in which pin elements of the swivel pin elements are connected to a locking device of the console, into an open position in which the pin elements of the same locking device of the console are deployed such that the first swivel pin or the second swivel pin can act as a swivel pin so as to open the cover, wherein each of the displacing members comprises a transmitting element which is rotatably mounted and/or which is configured as a rotating ring for converting the movement of the transmitting elements of the actuating device into a rotary movement.
 10. The opening mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the transmitting elements configured as a rotating ring are rotatably mounted on the same one mounting device located on the plane of symmetry of the opening mechanism.
 11. The opening mechanism according to claim 10, wherein: an arm is rigidly arranged on each transmitting element, said arm being connected via a joint to the respective second swivel pin element, a coupling lever is coupled at a first bearing point on the second swivel pin element via a first joint, the coupling lever is pivotally mounted on a mounting device located on the cover, the coupling lever is connected to the respective first swivel pin element via a second joint at a second bearing position located opposite to the first bearing position.
 12. The opening mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the displacing members are formed identically.
 13. The opening mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the joints of the displacing member are formed as non-destructively non-detachable connections. 